The Effect of 6 Weeks of Honey Solution Consumption on Leukocyte Count and Immunoglobulin A, in Male Military Forces with Over-Training Psychological Symptoms

Introduction: Exercise can strengthen or weaken the immune system depending on the intensity and duration of activity and diet; thus, it cause health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of honey solution as a nutritional intervention on the immune system of people exposed to over-training.  Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental study has been performed by pre-test- post-test with two groups of placebo and honey syrup. For this purpose, 70 individuals from the available population including military graduates have been examined using an over-training psychological questionnaire. Finally, 38 people with age range of (20.75±1.75) years and body mass index of (19.4±1.7 kg/m2) have been selected using blood markers (cortisol and testosterone), an over-training test. Moreover, they were randomly divided into two groups of 19 individuals: placebo and honey syrup. In order to measure serum levels of Cellular immunity (neutrophils, lymphocytes and white blood cells) and immunoglobulin A, 5 cc blood has been taken from the arm vein and examined by ELISA before and after 6 weeks of consuming honey solution. The changes in cytokines levels have been analyzed using the independent t-test in the SPSS software version 22. Results: There were not any significant differences in serum levels of white blood cells and lymphocytes in the honey solution group. However, there were significant changes in the number of neutrophils and immunoglobulin A between two groups. (p< 0.05) Discussion and Conclusion: Consumption of honey solution for 6 weeks promotes the body’s immunity to reduce the effects of overtraining by affecting the number of leukocytes and immunoglobulin A.